It took a lot of effort and a whole range of cleaning products to get the top clean on Kim's car, and since doing this last year I have washed the top pretty much weekly when I wash the car.


I just give it a gently wipe over with the same car wash fluid/water mix I use to wash the car, and a gentle hose down afterwards.


What do you all do?

 

Pretty much the same for me. I do use a gentle brush on it about once a month during the wash to loosen the dirt and such.

Once a year treatment with 303 top care.

 

Pretty much the same as you guys. I wash it as I do the rest of the car. I treat it as if it were a coupe. Every 3 or 4 months I use the 303.

I do however scrub it vigorously with a soft microfiber cloth each time I wash it because of those damn cats.

 

I scrub it down with old cotton diapers every time I wash the car. It gets a 16-ounce treatment of 303 once per year, usually in May. Haven't treated it this year but will do so the next time I wash the car....

 

I hose it off with a hard spray every time I wash it . . . no soap, no scrubbing. RaggTopp once a year.

Bought 303 to give it a try next time I do it.

 

I use Meguiar's Convertible Top Cleaner with a soft bristle brush each time I wash the car. I just treated it with 303 last week.

 

I've never cleaned mine except a hose off when I wash it, those that have read the other thread will know how often that is, I do have a package of 303 cleaner and treatment at home so it will have a treat next week.

 

I use the protective spray from Glymol. Really beads the water so just a rinse is needed for cleaning.

 

Want to make sure I found the right product. Is it called 303 Protectant? White bottle, 16oz for around $18.00. Thanks

 

My bottle says Fabric Guard

 

^^^^

That's it. 303 High-Tech Fabric Guard Water Repellent....

I buy the 32-ounce bottle and get a bit of a price break. I use half the bottle for each annual treatment, so one bottle lasts me two years....

 

Hey Steve, was curious, did you ever resolve your 'water' issue? hope all is well,


frank

 

hi i was going to the ragtop kit to do mine it has a few stains in it .is the 303 a better prouct?thanks dan

 

As little as possible.
I'm a bit OCD with my softtop care. It gets waterproofed every spring and autumn with Renovo and a recolour - again with Renovo every spring.

I use a Cabriolet cover (Jaguar XK8/XKR Car Hood Soft Top Cover Half Cover Protection 1996-2006 | eBay) every night as well as lightweight outdoor cover in spring/summer and a heavyweight one in winter when it's off the road for 6-months.
I have to be picky like this as the UK weather is so foul (well it is in Yorkshire anyway) and I have to keep it outside parked under trees when at home.

While a bit time consuming (5-mins in the morning to remove covers) - the soft top is virtually as new.

Steve

 

Frank - no - still leaks but we have not had much rain the past month and I was able to clean out enough of the garage that I can park inside now rather than leaving out in the elements. I am considering replacing all the seals along the top since the car is 15 years old and the SC heat/humidity are killer.

Steve

 

RaggTopp horse-hair brush every time I wash the car; let air dry. RaggTopp protectant twice a year.

 

303 makes a product called 303 Fabric Guard, and also 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. They are priced differently. Which one do you suggest.

 

Larry Just uploaded a segment on Top cleaning, maybe worth a look he knows what he's talking about when it comes to detailing.
Fortunately we have glass as the rear window.

 

As per my post 14 get one of these: Jaguar XK8/XKR Car Hood Soft Top Cover Half Cover Protection 1996-2006 | eBay

Whatever method you choose to clean/restore your softtop you will have to do it all over again if it's not protected from the elements (esp UV) when not being driven

Steve

 

I wash the roof every time I wash the car.